Port Jobs

New initiative targets low-income immigrant and refugee English language learners.

The Whole Family Jobs Pipeline is an employee services initiative targeting low-income immigrant and refugee English language learners.  The program aims to increase this group’s access to jobs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Similar programs offered through Airport Jobs and our partners have resulted in higher job placement rates and excellent job retention – even during the global economic recession.

While SeaTac Airport offers English language learners a variety of employment opportunities, the post-9/11 security clearances and computerized job application processes used by most businesses can be an insurmountable barrier for many refugees and immigrants.
The Pipeline will provide these job seekers with pre-employment training, computer skills and other job readiness classes offered by Port Jobs’ Airport University.

Airport University classes offered to this population will include ESL Writing, Food Service Workers, Job Search Basics, Keyboarding, and preparation for the Secure Identification Display Area test which is a prerequisite for most airport jobs.

In addition to pre-employment training, Pipeline services will support job seekers’ self-sufficiency by guiding them through career planning and continuing education needs. Wrap around services to family members will include access to early learning, and ESL classes.  These resources positively influence job search, placement and retention efforts and are vital pre-employment services.

Port Jobs partners Seattle Housing Authority, White Center Community Development Association Family Connections, and King County Library System will identify appropriate individuals to refer to this program. Port Jobs will also place appropriate clients in the Apprenticeship Opportunities Project White Center initiative.

The Whole Family Pipeline is made possible the United Way of King County, the Social Innovation Fund (SkillUp Washington Jobs for the Future/National Fund for Workforce Development) and the Port of Seattle.